THE FORM OF ANIMALS. 21 



lour }eLirs old. The great difference in weight depended 

 chiefly on the horns ; for the lower jaws were nearly 

 equal, one weighing seven ounces, and the other six 

 ounces and three quarters ; which proves that the natural 

 size of the head was nearly the same in both, independent 

 of the horns and the thickness of the bone which supports 

 them.* 



In a horned animal, the skull is extremely thick. In a 

 hornless animal it is much thinner ; especially in that 

 part where the horns usually grow. 



To those who have not reflected on the subject, it ma^ 

 appear of little consequence w^hether sheep and cattle 

 have horns — but on a very moderate calculation it will 

 be found, that the loss in farming stock, and also in the 

 diminution of animal food, is very considerable, from 

 the production of horns and their appendages. A mode 

 of breeding which would prevent the production of these, 

 would afford a considerable profit in an increase of meat 

 and wool, and other valuable parts. 



The length of the neck should be proportioned to 

 the height of the animal, that it may collect its food 

 with ease. 



The Muscles. 



The muscles and tendons, which are their appendages, 

 should be large ; by which an animal is enabled to traveJ 

 with greater facility. 



* [It is matter of surprise that among the varieties of cattle imported, no 

 one should bring the celebrated Suffolk polled or hornless cattle. Be- 

 sides the advantage here enumerated, valuable animals are sometimes 

 killed by being gored. In respect of this breed, Youatt speaks very 

 highly. He says they sometimes give 32 quarts of milk, and 24 is 

 not uncommon, in a day — and adds: — "There are few short-horn 

 cows ; although far superior in size to the Suffolks, and consuming nearly 

 double the quantity of food ; that will yield more milk than is usuallv 

 obtained from the smaller polled breed." Formerly the Suffolk police 

 cattle were generally of a dun colour, and thence commonly called Suf- 

 folk duns, but that colour has of late been repudiated. — J. S. S.] 



